Our Lady of Candelaria Church

Our Lady of Candelaria Church, commonly known as Silang Church, is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Poblacion, Silang, Cavite, Philippines. Founded by Franciscans in 1595, it is one of the oldest churches in Cavite and noted for its baroque architecture and well-preserved retablo. Dedicated to Our Lady of Candelaria, it serves as the spiritual center of Silang and is recognized for its historical and religious heritage.

Visitors can expect a historic stone church in the town center of Silang facing the municipal plaza. The exterior features a simple baroque facade with a bell tower, while the interior contains a large wooden retablo with columns and niches for saints, religious images including Our Lady of Candelaria, and traditional church pews. The surroundings include the plaza, parish convent and town streets. Visitors can explore the nave, view religious artworks, attend Mass, and take photographs of the architecture.

Founded as a Franciscan mission in 1595, with parish administration later transferred to Jesuits. The present stone church was constructed between 1637 and 1639 under the supervision of Fr. Diego de Espinar. It is among the oldest extant churches in Cavite and has survived centuries as the central parish of Silang, reflecting Spanish colonial church architecture and town planning centered on the plaza complex.

Serves as the parish church of Our Lady of Candelaria, the patroness of Silang. The annual feast celebrated on February 2-3 draws devotees and visitors for religious processions, Masses and community gatherings. The church is an important religious and cultural landmark for the Catholic community of Silang and a heritage site representing the town's colonial and religious traditions.